STORY
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Hi, I am Mitso and I am an ultra distance runner.
On Friday, 31st March I will attempt for the second time to run 200 miles, 200 times non-stop through the darkness of the UK’s longest foot tunnel. The exact description of The Tunnel Ultra race is: 'A mind-bending test of extreme endurance and sensory deprivation'
WHY AM I DOING THIS?
I have done numerous amounts of extreme runs in my life that have tested me both physically and mentally. Each one I see as a personal challenge and a new opportunity to raise awareness and money for animals in need. This gives me the drive to keep running when I feel I have no energy left in me. Farm animals are put through so much misery against their own will and I feel that the least I can do is to use my skills and determination to spread the word and help them.
Once again, I am choosing an organisation very close to my heart - Farm Animal Rescue Sanctuary aka FARS, based in Warwickshire, who rescue animals from abuse, neglect and slaughter, or simply just provide a forever loving home for pets and preowned animals that were loved and for whatever reason just can no longer be cared for.
I have volunteered at FARS for 11 years now and so I can truly appreciate the amount of love, time, effort and money that goes into the daily care of these sentient beings.
ABOUT THE RUN
The Tunnel Ultra was created by Mark Cockbain who puts on 'extremely hard to achieve' challenges that he doesn't expect runners to complete. This 200-mile run takes its place on Friday 31 March, in Bath, Somerset, through the 1-mile-long Combe Down Tunnel. The rules stipulate that runners have to complete 100 laps of the tunnel within 55 hours. All runners were handpicked from the applicants with capacity of only around 45 in total. The terrain is flat and pitch black between 11pm and 5am which is when a head torch will have to be worn. At all other times there will be a very low-level lighting. Facilities will be very basic and limited with no shelter or rest areas and only water, coke and snacks will be available at the checkpoint. Additionally, there is no parking directly at the start, meaning runners will have to carry their kit 3 miles before and after the race.
RULES:
- No headphones
- No walking sticks
- No external support
WHAT WILL THE MONEY BE SPENT ON?
Caring for over 400 animals doesn't come cheap and the raising costs are never ending. I am therefore hoping to raise as much as I can to contribute towards the feed and hay. 100% of all donations (minus a small fee to the fundraising provider) will be going straight to the animals.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
No donation is too small. I will be grateful for whatever amount you can spare. Even £1 goes a long way in situations like this.
If you can't however help financially, spreading the word about this appeal can still go a long way. The more people I reach, the more donations I will be able to receive. And so, sharing the link across your social media or even just telling your friends and family would be just as appreciated.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
Mitso
#ForTheAnimals